Biomimicry
for shaping future
Agriculture
purpose
The purpose of ‘Biomimicry for shaping future Agriculture’ project is to to create a feasible design of a farming system applying the concept of biomimicry. As an agroecological and social context, we have chosen Eastern Europe. Indeed, the farming systems there are nowadays under development and Eastern Europe therefore provides ample room for the development of innovative agricultural systems geared towards more sustainable practices.
In order to offer a complete insight into the concept of biomimicry in agriculture, we will take a look at the questions and sub-questions as found in the figure below. Designing a system or process can be approached in different ways; by first looking at a problem and searching for a solution, or thinking of a system and then find out what problems can be solved with that solution. Both approaches might be used during the design process of the project.
Our project
Purpose & project analysis
problem analysis
Our project targets two parallel problems: the limited use of the knowledge on biomimicry applied in agriculture, and the unsustainability of industrialized agriculture. Hence our mission is to valorise the knowledge and application of biomimicry in agriculture and to design a farming system in which biomimicry concept is explicitly applied to reduce ecological footprint of the sector.
Currently Alterra is looking to expand their research scope (as a scientific centre) and to increase their portfolio of activities. Biomimicry is a novel yet promising concept especially in the industry, but their explicit application in agriculture is still in early stage of development. Thus, a team of ACT students was arranged to explore both theoretical and applicable nature of this concept focused on agriculture.
Modern industrialized agriculture is already well known by its both productivity and negative environmental impacts. We are living in a century in which adaptations of production systems are needed to ensure food availability without damaging their supporting natural environments. Although this project does not aim to solve this issue once and for all in the limited time (eight weeks), its target is to facilitate an innovative farming system with higher sustainability standards, which can be used as a baseline for further research. It paves the way to the application of biomimicry in the design of agricultural systems and to the implementation of such novel concepts. The design is at farm -or cluster of farms- level, economically feasible and, as a default can be applied to East-European agro-ecological zones. Nevertheless, its nature must allow to be extrapolated to other temperate regions. Despite of still requiring additional literature reviews this system will include both staple crops and agroforestry elements. Livestock inclusion is currently in discussion so no further details can be defined yet.
Within this global problem, two main affected groups can be well defined: farmers (of industrialized agriculture) and consumers. Besides that, several other groups are involved and affected: industrial parties like transport, seed producers and machinery, ngo’s and climate controllers. In the following section we will elaborate on these and on their interactions.
stakeholders
The following groups and organisations are involved in the project at some degree:
Alterra
Biomimicry Global Design Challenge
Wageningen University
Experts
Farmers
NGO’s / Industry
Consumers
These stakeholders have their own interests and priorities, and their power can influence in positive or negative ways. They can be classified in a classical Power vs Interest grid:
Starting with the key players Alterra, our commissioner, has the strongest influence and interest on this enterprise. The team is following their vision and problem statement as direct guidelines to meet their needs. Communication and close understanding with the institution is crucial for the success of the whole project. Biomimicry Global Design Challenge is an interesting actor by which the project can worldwide gain recognition and be funded (with monetary prices) when it is elected. In addition, their rejection would affect the work negatively, giving room to the commissioner to dismiss the project.
In a broader context but not negligible Wageningen University plays the role as the academic institution in which the team and the project are developed. Its particular position within the stakeholders’ grid, is explained by the fact that the university has a main interest on students’ academic development and not so much on the concrete project.
A range of experts on different scientific fields are potentially important partners. Their intervention as interviewees will provide sensible information about different subjects (experience, literature, advice and so on), although they will act as external actors with no power on the project itself.
Finally, related but not highly influencing stakeholders at this stage are the European farmers (and potentially from other regions), environmental and nature conservation NGOs, industry companies and consumers.
Farmers are dependent on high energy inputs, mainly by agrochemicals and fossil fuel, and the economic pressures are very high. Therefore, they are constantly pushed towards enhancing productivity in dissonance with the surrounding ecosystems. Providing them with a productive, ecologically sound and profitable farm design can alleviate this situation and ensure the continuation of their activities and quality of their livelihoods. Therefore they can benefit from the generated academic knowledge and its subsequent implementation so a positive approach is expected (although other social and cultural factors could change their opinions in different ways).
The NGOs are likely to act as supporters for the further development of the project if it is suitable for funding and materialization. On the other hand, agricultural and industry companies could also facilitate it if the design proves to be profitable, but those that rely on the conventional agriculture business may act as opponents. Nevertheless, they play a minimal role right now, as ACT student’s projects are not subject to lobbyism.
Finally, consumers are the ones who accept or reject new ways of food production. Current Western consumers acknowledge the benefits of ecologically sound farming and perceive these products as safer and healthier. The increasing demand of these products can be achieved if projects as this one are further developed and implemented in the near future.
